What Explains Support for Race-Related Topics in the Curriculum? Evidence From the Understanding America Study

Race-related content in the school curriculum is a subject of renewed political and policy attention. But what racial topics do Americans support students learning about, and what racial beliefs predict their views? This article reports on a large probability-based survey of American households on these topics. We find opposition to most racial topics in elementary schools and support in high schools as well as large partisan gaps on many specific topics. Certain attitudinal items—most notably valuing diverse contributions and concern about White students feeling guilty—are strongly predictive of partisan gaps. These findings provide much needed light for a debate that has animated substantial political controversy in recent years, suggesting paths forward for a more inclusive curriculum.